CONTEST and GIVEAWAY!! Newborn diapers! (Ends 4 Jan, 2013)

Christmas has come and gone, but I've been hard at work putting together the upcoming newborn blog-hop giveaway event that will take place April/May of 2013!
As many of you know, it will be our first home birth and for it, we will have to pay $3000.00 out of pocket. You may also know that after my 2 (almost 3) yo (oh man in 6 days he will be 3) potty trained I gave away most of my #clothdiapers to family and friends that were needing them.
So, I am left with basically no stash, certainly not enough to cloth diaper a newborn full time. That is one reason I'm putting together the event. So I can start to build a stash and so YOU can have a chance to win some awesome prizes from some AMAZING sponsors!

It's been quiet around here!
There is a contest going on right now over at Kissed By the Moon on their Facebook page. Tami is an awesome business owner and has decided to pay it forward by offering 20 newborn used clothdiapers to one person! There is a hitch, the person has to need them, and the person being nominated to receive the diapers has to either be pregnant OR have a baby under 2 months of age! Also, when the winner is finished with the diapers, that winner will have to pay it forward and GIVE THE DIAPERS AWAY to another person that can really use them!

So when I saw this contest I e-mailed Tami about it and asked her if I were to write up a blog post and ask each of you to comment with my name (Angela Ross Heffner) to nominate me to win, and IF I won the diapers, after I was done using them, give them away to some of you that could really use them, she said sure thing!!

Soooooooooooooooo if you are wanting to help me build my newborn stash, here is what I need you to do:
1. Go to Kissed by the Moon on FB
2. Find this picture (it has over 900 something comments under it already):

3. Then comment under that picture with "Angela Ross Heffner"



Then be sure to come back here and leave a comment under this post so that I will know who did it when I go to give these away again after the baby outgrows them (which will be sometime next summer)!

This would really be a blessing to me to win some newborn diapers!
I hope you all take the time to nominate me.
IF I win the diapers, I will be randomly selecting one person who nominates me, and comments on THIS post to win a $20 GC to Kissed by the Moon.

Contest ends 4 Jan (sometime, I am not sure what time) and you can only nominate the same person once. So, if you nominate me, and you know someone else who could benefit from 20 used newborn diapers (that is currently pregnant or has a baby 2 months or younger) then you can also nominate me.
If you could use these, please nominate me, then message me, and I'll be sure to nominate you in return.

Be sure to come back to this post and comment that you nominated me to include your FB username to be eligible to win the $20 GC to Kissed by the Moon!

Thanks in advance all!
xxoo
~Mama of the Littles~

A hand ful of CHRISTmas-time winners

Here are a few winners for you.
Due to the Holiday season, winners will have until Thursday 27 December at midnight (EST) to contact me to claim their prizes. I know that Christmastime is a great time to unplug and spend time with family and friends!

The winner of the Tiny Love mobile is Dawn S. Congrats!

The winner of the 7th Generation Cold Care kit is Kimberly Congrats!

Both winners have been e-mailed!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

~Mama of the Littles~

Where I have been!!

It's a week before CHRISTmas and I've been trying to get things in perspective here. I've been trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but for some reason, it's just not happening this year.
Last Friday the nation was shaken by the horrible events at Sandy Hook elementary school where so many innocent people were gunned down and lost their lives. The events of that day still linger in my mind. Each time I look at my boys (or any other child) I find myself feeling not even a fraction of the pain the parents and loved ones of those left behind feel to this day.
My heart aches for those that lost their children, wives, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles.........family that day. I cannot explain it.
I've not been doing any blogging since then and honestly have not had the desire. I thought though that I would type up this quick post before I go pick up my boys from school so you all will know that I am still here.

Though I cannot make sense of what happened last Friday, I can say that I believe that we as a nation need to rise up and live life unafraid! We need to keep moving forward, pressing on towards the goal!
We cannot give up, let up or be silent. We must love as if we have never been broken and we must forgive! We must lift up the ones that have been devastated by this tragic event and pray for the peace and healing that only Jesus Himself can give!

I believe that God is at work here. I believe that He specializes in picking up the brokenness and uses those broken pieces to create something far greater than what once existed there before!

I hope you will join me in remembering those that were effected by Friday's events! Remember them, honor the slain and join with me to pray. I pray for peace, absolute peace this Christmas season. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, let us also remember that with life (Jesus' birth) comes death (calvary), and with death comes life...

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

~Mama of the Littles~

How you can make a difference in the lives of others... donate your used, non-functioning #CLOTHDIAPERS to a family in need!!

How many of you have cloth diapers that you no longer use, need or want? Stained, broken, pilly, it does not matter! YOU can donate those diapers to All Things Diapers who in turn will (repair them if needed) and give them to families in need!
All Things Diapers is located in Blaine, MN, and has been donating cloth diapers for about a year now and has given diapers to over 100 families! If you have diapers that you no longer need, or want (in working order or not), simply send them to:
All Things Diapers
12064 Central Ave NE
Blaine, MN
55434

I think this is a great way to pay it forward, especially this time of year!
Let's put cloth in the hands of those in need!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!
~Mama of the Littles~

Seventh Generation Cold Care Kit review and #GIVEAWAY {US only}

I LOVE Seventh Generation products. I was beyond thrilled when given the chance to review their Cold Care Kit! We hardly ever get sick. In fact, my oldest son never got sick until after he turned one. This year, he is in pre-school and being around all those other littles, he caught a cold!
It lasted for only about a day. You know, the typical runny nose and sneezing. A day or so after he felt better my youngest and myself had it!
I was so thankful to have this kit on hand:

I received two containers of their hand wash (lavender and citrus), a box of facial tissues, a container of their disinfecting wipes, and a container of their disinfecting multi-surface cleaner!
The hand wash is awesome. Washing your hands (and ensuring your kids do a proper job too) is the number one way to stop the spread of germs! The scents of the hand wash are lovely. I keep the citrus in my kitchen and the lavender in the master bath. The Hand Care Dish Liquid is a USDA Certified Biobased Product with fragrances from essential oils and botanical extracts. The formula is non-toxic, biodegradable and contains Advanced HerbaVera™ Moisturizing Technology, so it’s gentle on both your hands and the earth. Available online in 18 oz. bottles for $3.49 each. The disinfecting wipes and multi-surface cleaners also rock! What makes these two products so awesome? The kill 99.99% of household germs botanically! Including Influenza A viruses (including H1N1), Rhinovirus (type 37, the Common Cold virus), Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on hard, nonporous surfaces.
You can bet (once I started feeling better) I cleaned the whole house with these cleaners and that cold has not been seen or felt since! :)
To top it all off, you can even use your empty tissue box to make this adorable germ monster with your kids as seen in this YouTube video!

You can purchase all these great products directly from the Seventh Generation products page!
Or you can enter to win a Cold Care Kit (pictured above) of your very own right here!

Seventh Generation has graciously offered one of you the chance to win a Cold Care Kit!

This giveaway is open to US residents only! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! You may have to click "read more" in order for the whole Rafflecopter form to load!

Good luck and Have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above in exchange for my review. This review is my honest opinion based on my own personal experience, and may differ from yours. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this review!

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty Giveaway is Back!

Are you still looking for that perfect gift for your little one(s)? Look no further!!

Melissa and Doug has gorgeous toys that are sure to please every child on your list! They are excellently made and very affordable.
One of my most favorite brands, Melissa and Doug is at it again! They recently celebrated 20 days of giveaways on their Facebook page and are doing it again!!
You only need to enter once to be eligible to win one of Terrific Twenty Holiday toys being offered every day! Go here to enter!

Good luck and have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Melissa and Doug Terrific Twenty Toy winner!!

Congrats to Dawn S. You are the winner of the Terrific Twenty Toy giveaway from Melissa and Doug.
You have been e-mailed and have 48 hours to respond to claim your prize.
Don't forget to enter to win a "My Nature Pals" mobile from Tiny Love here!

Good Luck all!

~Mama of the Littles

Tiny Love "My Nature Pals" review and #GIVEAWAY {US and Canada}

Ah the nesting instinct! Some say it comes and goes throughout the pregnancy, but I'd say I've recently been in the nesting phase just about every day (for some period of time)! After the birth of my 2 yo, we donated most of our baby items to families in need. This included clothes, #clothdiapers, and gear. When I found out I was expecting this little one, I realized that we really didn't have any baby gear for him/her and so I began my search.
When searching for baby items, my personal number one concern is safety. Sure, an item can look adorable and cute, but if it's not safe, I won't buy it.
My search lead me to Tiny Love! I was amazed at all the cute baby gear items they had to offer. From play mats, to mobiles and rockers, Tiny Love has got the gear, and toys!
I was so excited about their products that I reached out to Tiny Love regarding their products and was so happy to have them send their "My Nature Pals" mobile for this review!
This is what I received:

The mobile came in a few pieces, but was VERY easy to assemble!

It only took me (someone who is not too good at assembling things) about 5 minutes to put this mobile together!

This mobile is designed to be used from birth to 5+ months! Usually, when a baby is able to sit or pull him/herself up, all mobiles need to be removed from the crib, to prevent the child from strangulation. With this clever design, at the age your child can sit up, pull up, the arm of the mobile can be removed, transforming the mobile into a crib mounted music box and night light. This mobile plays 30 minutes of continuous music, with 9 different tunes from three different categories (nature, classic and lullaby)! There is a head light on the top of the mobile, the bellies of the characters light up and the two blue lines on the base of the mobile also light up with the push of a button. I love that all the characters on the mobile are smiling!
Here is a close up of each one:

So cute!
Here is what your baby will see when looking up at this mobile:

This is one item that I really am going to be happy to have for my baby. You can purchase this mobile directly from Tiny Love for $49.99! I also found it on Amazon for only $36.72!
Or, you can enter to win one here! Tiny Love has generously offered one LWML reader the chance to win a "My Nature Pals" mobile of their very own!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! You may have to click "read more" in order for the whole Rafflecopter form to load!

Good luck and Have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above in exchange for my review. This review is my honest opinion based on my own personal experience, and may differ from yours. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this review!

A handful of winners!!

I've gotten behind with company in town, the (very successful) homebirth/Facebook auction (that brought in just under $500 (btw) thanks to all of you! <3 I have some winners to announce!
1. The winner (re-draw) of the iBallz for iPad is Amy H.
2. The winner of the Seventh Generation Cleaning products prize pack is Katie L.
3. The winner of the #THANKFUL4FLUFF Clementine BG 4.0 cloth diaper is Lily M.

All the winners have been e-mailed and have until this Friday (due to Thanksgiving) at 8 am EST to respond to my e-mail to claim your prize!

Congrats to all the winners.
Don't forget about my current giveaways going on right now!
Enter to win a Melissa and Doug Terrific Twenty Toy of choice HERE!


Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Stay tuned for upcoming reviews and giveaways! I'll be reviewing a Tiny Love 'My Nature Pals' Mobile and some more Seventh Generation cleaning products!!
Also, I'm so excited for the upcoming Newborn giveaway even that is turning into a really HUGE deal! So far there are 28 confirmed sponsors for my blog alone! This event is getting so huge I will be opening it up as a blog-hop opportunity! So if you are a blogger, be sure to check back here after Christmas in order to sign up to participate! It's going to be HUGE!!!

~Mama of the Littles

Melissa and Doug Terrific Twenty Holiday Gifts #GIVEAWAY {US only}

I LOVE CHRISTmas! The beautiful smell of the CHRISTmas tree that seems to fill the house. The baking of CHRISTmas cookies, the excitement in the air, the precious memories made with my family, the shopping for gifts! I love all that CHRISTmas is about.... well, almost all of it!!
I don't like the crowds of people all out to find the best deal. I don't like the long lines at the mall as people hustle and bustle past to try and find the 'perfect gift.' In fact around here we celebrate a very simple CHRISTmas! We don't go in debt to buy the most expensive gifts, and we don't shower our children with loads of toys, that will more than likely be played with for a day or two then tossed to the side out of boredom.
We cut down our very own tree and then decorate it. We hang stockings and teach the boys the true meaning of Christmas. We set up our nativity scene and read verses from the Bible about Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus!
We do give each other gifts, but tend to keep it to 3 gifts each! After the model set by the 3 wise men as they visited baby Jesus and brought gifts to the new born King!

These days though shopping is made easy. I much prefer shopping online to find the best deals!
Things will be very different for us this year. My husband will be deployed, marking the first CHRISTmas he has been away since we've had children! I am determined to make the most of it this year! I am determined to make cookies with the boys and to decorate the tree (a real one) with them. We will read the verses from the Bible that explain the true meaning of the season, and yes, there will be gifts!
Thanks to Melissa and Doug, my shopping will be easy this year. They have come out with a list of 20 gifts that are HOT for this year!
The Terrific Twenty Holiday Gifts for 2012:

 

 

I know my boys would be glad to have any one of those toys listed above! Do you know someone in your family that would love to open one of those gifts on CHRISTmas morning??

Melissa and Doug has generously offered one LWML reader the chance to win any one of their Terrific Twenty Holiday gifts!

 

Don't forget about the online auction being held now on my FB page to raise funds for my home birth!! Items up for bid include #clothdiapers like Applecheeks, AMP, Bumgenius, Fuzzi Bunz, Sloomb, Kawaii, Melissa and Doug, a brand new digital camera, and more!! 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was compensated by the above named company for writing this post.

 

This giveaway is open to US residents only!

To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. *you may have to click on 'read more' for the form to load completely!

 

 

~Mama of the Littles~

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

If you are looking for high quality toys for Christmas this year, look no further than Melissa and Doug!
Melissa and Doug has done it again this year! They have come out with the Terrific Twenty Holiday Gifts! This is a compiled list of fabulous Melissa and Doug toys that are a 'must have' for this Holiday season!

Now I know you see at least one thing on there that your little one would LOVE to have this Christmas!


But wait, that's not all! Starting today (November 6th) you can head over to the Melissa and Doug Facebook page and enter to win! To celebrate, Melissa and Doug is giving away at least one of the gifts from the Terrific Twenty Holiday Gifts collection for the next 20 days!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to Melissa and Doug's Facebook page and enter for your chance to win!

Good Luck!

~Mama of the Littles~

Earn 5 Extra entries into my Bumgenius 4.0 Giveaway #THANKFUL4FLUFF Today only!! (Monday, 5 November)

Today only, (Monday 5 November) you can earn 5 extra entries into the Bumgenius 4.0 one size cloth diaper in Clementine!

The entries will only be available for you to claim today, Monday November 5th on the Rafflecopter form.

Don't forget too that the online auction starts today! You can find a list of what's up for grabs here!
If you are bidding on an item (or two) in the auction, please read the rules which will be located under the 'open' sign on Monday 5 November and comment with 'agree' to let me know you have read and understand the rules!

~Mama of the Littles~

Giveaways and Home birth fundraiser auction AND gain 5 extra entries into the #THANKFUL4FLUFF Bumgenius giveaway #CLOTHDIAPERS!!

On Monday (5 November) the Facebook auction will begin. What is the Facebook auction you ask??
Well, I am planning a home birth (due April, 2013)! We are going to have to pay $3000 out of pocket for this, and this is something that I really want to do! You can read more about the circumstances surrounding the home birth here!

The Facebook auction will begin on Monday, and will run until Tuesday 13 November at 10 pm EST. To enter, you MUST read the rules under the 'open' sign picture (that will be posted on Sunday night) and comment with 'agree' under that pic! This lets me know that you have read and are agreeing to the auction rules (which will be listed under that same sign)!

Each item specifies if it's open to US and Canada or US only. There may be shipping fees associated with the item up for bid. This is the case in items that I am personally auctioning off for the fundraiser. If the item is sponsored, you will be required to 'like' the sponsor on Facebook prior to bidding on their item (again, if this is the case, instructions will be listed under that specific item, to include the link to the FB page to be liked)!

If you feel so compelled in your heart to give financially to help me meet my goal of having a home birth. Please send your monetary donation via paypal (as a gift) to familytreasures911@hotmail.com (this is mostly set up for family members and friends that don't cloth diaper, but want to provide their support)! Please put 'home birth' in the comments section when sending payment via paypal!
All monies earned from this Facebook auction will go to pay the midwife the $3000 for her services provided to me before, during and postpartum!


If you have not take the time yet to enter my current giveaway for a Bumgenius 4.0 one size cloth diaper in Clementine, feel free to do so here (open to US only)!

If you are entered into that giveaway, be sure to come back to the blog to earn 5 extra entries into the BG giveaway! Those 5 entries can only be claimed on Monday, November 5th from 12:01 am to midnight (EST) so be sure to get your entries in and claimed on the Rafflecopter form!

There is also a giveaway going on right now for a bunch of awesome, eco-friendly Seventh Generation cleaning products {US only}!

Oh, and don't forget about the upcoming Newborn event which will take place in the new year. I've got over 25 confirmed sponsors for this blog alone. I'm going to be opening this up to a blog-hop. So if you are a blogger and are interested in participating, feel free to shoot me an e-mail (angela_heffner at yahoo dot com)! It's going to be huge, and fun!!!


I hope you all are having a great weekend!
Looking forward to the auction!

~Mama of the Littles~

Clementine Bumgenius 4.0 Clothdiaper Giveaway "Thankful For Fluff" giveaway blog hop! {US}

 

Today kicks off "Thankful For Fluff" fall giveaway hop! This is a blog hop, where you have two weeks to hop along to the participating 34 blogs to enter to win some great fluffy prizes. Each participating blogger (list below) have cloth diaper related prizes up for grabs valued at $15 or more!

There is also a grand prize! There will be 6 winners for the grand prize giveaway. One of which will win a prize valued at over $300!! Wowzers!

I'm excited.

In the spirit of fall, I am offering one LWML reader a chance to win a Bumgenius 4.0 one size cloth diaper in Clementine!

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter below (you may have to click 'read more' for the Rafflecopter form to fully load)!

 

Don't forget to head on over to the other participating blogs and enter for your chance to win some awesome fluffy prizes!

A huge thank you to Cheerful Homemaker and Cloth Diaper Revival for putting together this hop! PS, you can visit the two host blogs above to enter to win the grand prize!

 

Good Luck and Have Fun!

 

~Mama of the Littles~

 

**Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored solely by me, and in no way is affiliated with or endorsed by Facebook. Giveaway open to US residents only!

Seventh Generation Cleanhouse challenge {#GIVEAWAY}



Have you heard of the Seventh Generation Clean House Challenge?

 

Seventh Generation has teamed up with RealSimple.com and 350.org to bring you this virtual 'clean house challenge' that guides you through a green, clean and healthy house offering product coupons and expert advice. While browsing the virtual home, you'll be able to unlock valuable Seventh Generation coupons and Facebook badges and learn eco-friendly tips!

I was thrilled to receive samples of Seventh Generations' newest line of eco-friendly cleaning products! I was sent the following items for my review:

Granite and Stone Cleaner

Natural Dish Liquid- Hand Care Formula

Natural Laundry Detergent Packs

Wood Cleaner

Stainless Steel Cleaner

This is what I received:

I was so excited to try out these new products, I got right to work!
First up was the kitchen sink! It REALLY needed to be cleaned!
Before (yikes):

After I sprayed about 4 squirts of the stainless steel cleaner into the sink, I let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then I used my scouring pad to scrub the grime away!
This stainless steel cleaner is AWESOME! I can't wait to try it on my fridge!

I also used the wood cleaner to clean my coffee table and even on my hard wood floors! LOVE it!
Really cleans the wood and leaves it looking clean and conditioned!
Then I went to the master bathroom where our two-person tub is surrounded by tile and grout! I used the granite and stone cleaner to clean the tiles and it worked like a charm. No residue, no streaks, just a clean beautiful bath! I even took a bath just to admire how clean the tiles were! :)
Of course, with two boys that eat (all day long) I always have a sink full of dirty dishes, so I set to work to clean the pots and pans using the dish liquid with the new 'hand care formula.' I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very thick gel like substance, not like the old formula, which was more liquidy! It really cuts through grease and grime and leaves your hands feeling soft and supple (added bonus)!
Then I set to do the laundry (yes, there is ALWAYS laundry to be washed in our home)! I tried their natural laundry detergent packs (which come similar to the dishwasher packs) and they are great! I love the mandarin and sandalwood scent! They really get the clothes clean and fresh smelling! If you have an HE machine (like I do) or even a top loader, you simply drop one of the packs directly into the washing machine (don't use the little soap dispenser) and then add your clothes. For heavily soiled items, use two packs!

I really love these new Seventh Generation products.
You can purchase all of the items mentioned above directly from the Seventh Generation Website!
But that's not all! With the Clean House challenge, you can buy and try any one of the items listed above and try it out for 7 days and if you don't LOVE it, you can return it for a full refund!!

How awesome is that?
One lucky LWML reader is going to win a set of the same products I reviewed.
One person will win:

Granite and Stone Cleaner

Natural Dish Liquid- Hand Care Formula

Natural Laundry Detergent Packs

Wood Cleaner

Stainless Steel Cleaner

This giveaway is open to US residents only! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! You may have to click "read more" in order for the whole Rafflecopter form to load!

Good luck and Have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above in exchange for my review. This review is my honest opinion based on my own personal experience, and may differ from yours. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this review!

Boba giveaway over at Sugar Pop Ribbons!

With baby #3 due in April, I'd love to win a Boba carrier! There is a giveaway going on over at Sugar Pop Ribbons, ends 20 October. So hurry over and enter for your chance to win!

~Mama of the Littles~

iBallz for iPad protection system review and #GIVEAWAY {US only}

Do you have an iPad? Do you let your child use your iPad? Are you concerned with the safetly of your iPad whenever it's in the hands of another?
Then iBallz is for you!
iBallz is a protective system for not only iPads, but they also have a 'mini' version created especially for other electronic devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.0, Motorola Xoom, Kindle fire and other popular tablets!
When I received my iPad from A4, I knew that it would need to be protected! I was thrilled when iBallz sent me an original iBallz and an iBallz lid for my review!
This is what I received:

Didn't realize how many finger prints were on the iPad until I saw this picture oops!
The iBallz is great. It can not only be used to protect your iPad, but for drop protection, tilt display, protection against spills (since it keeps your iPad/Tablet) elevated!

For those of you that would like to take a further look at this amazing product, there is a very helpful video on YouTube that provides a very close look at this system!
The lid is great as well. It not only provides protection against dents and scratches but can also be used to prop up your iPad/Tablet!

The iBallz original can be purchased directly from the iBallz website for $24.95! The iBallz lid is also available from the iBallz website for $29.95! They come in a wide range of fun colors too!

I don't know about you, but my mind is already in full-gear Christmas shopping! I know that anyone with an iPad or Samsung Galazy Tab 10.0, Motorola Xoom, Kindle fire or other tablet would greatly benefit from an iBallz!

But wait, that's not all! iBallz has graciously offered one LWML reader the chance to win their very own original iBallz and lid in the same colors I received!

This giveaway is open to US residents only! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! You may have to click "read more" in order for the whole Rafflecopter form to load!

Good luck and Have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above in exchange for my review. This review is my honest opinion based on my own personal experience, and may differ from yours. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this review!

#GIVEAWAY $15 to Abby's Lane {US/Can} Ends 17 October

Many of you know I'm expecting! I'm 12 weeks to be exact!
What you might not know about me is that along with my obsession for #clothdiapers and natural living, I have an even more serious obsession with Crossfit!

About 2 years ago, I was doing crossfit regularly out of my friend's garage (she has since gone on to open her own crossfit box in Oregon)! Well, as it is with Army life, after working out in that garage for about a year, my friend (and first ever crossfit coach) moved!
I stopped going to crossfit!

Fast forward to the present. We moved from MD to TN and I have found a crossfit community here that pulls on my very heartstrings. Just this morning at my work out, I spotted a baby swing in the crossfit office cradling a tiny newborn! The baby, belongs to one of my many awesome coaches!
I'm inspired! I'm challenged, I'm emotional, and sore! <3

So today was only the second day back, but I tell you what I can already feel the difference! Working out while you are pregnant is definitely different than when you are not. You have to consider the baby inside you and they are your number one priority. However, it can be done! You need to make sure you know what you are doing, and that you follow the instructions of your coaches so you don't injure yourself or your baby!

So, in honor of the coaches at my crossfit box, I am trying to win them a few custom t-shirts! This is the inspiration behind this giveaway (which is funded only by me by the way). Why did I choose a $15 GC to Abby's Lane you ask? Well, Abby's Lane has awesome customer service, a wide variety of products, and free shipping within the USA! This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents, but if the winner is Canadian, s/he will be responsible for shipping costs for items purchased!

The giveaway has just two entries. I am asking that you follow the link on the Rafflecopter form and like the picture that it will take you to (which will look like this):

That will count as one entry! The second entry is for you to leave a comment under that same picture. The link is provided in the Rafflecopter form below! You will also be given the option to tweet daily!
*update* If you feel that my asking you to comment, or like the pic is unfair, or agains FB rules, please feel free to not claim that entry option.
This giveaway is sponsored by me and me alone has nothing to do with Facebook or Abby's Lane (besides they are a great retailer to shop at)!
Thanks for your understanding!
If I win I will be able to treat the coaches at my box to some awesome custom Crossfit t-shirts!

Thanks again for all your support.
If you are curious about working out, or crossfit, please send me a message! I'd love to talk to you more about it!

Good luck and Have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Upcoming Facebook auction, my home birth plans and a bunch of #Winners!

Before I announce the most recent winners on the blog, I'd like to share with you a very special announcement!

Many of you know that I am expecting baby #3 in April. I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and am planning a home birth! I've never had a home birth before, as both my boys were born in the local birthing center in Maryland, which is staffed by Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). The Army insurance (Tricare) will only cover services provided by CNM's and now that we live in the state of TN, I have found out that the nearest birthing center to me is a 2 hour drive away. I don't know about you, but I refuse to ride for 2 hours in a car while in labor. There is an Army hospital here on base that we could go to, but I do NOT want to give birth in a hospital! I guess I've been spoiled being able to have both boys at the birthing center in MD, where I went in, labored, gave birth, nursed, ate, showered and was home within 5 hours of giving birth both times! I don't want to even walk into a hospital where they force pitocin, constant monitoring, limited movement and lying flat on your back to deliver kind of procedures!
The Army hospital on base does not have water birthing facilities (which is what I want)! There are two hospitals close to me that will accept my insurance, and one has two water facilities, (they are like the metal sports water therapy tubs) that you can labor in, but not deliver. Also, those 2 tubs are first come first serve! The other hospital has no water birth/labor options at all!
So, I've decided to have my baby at home. Many people say, well, one night in the hospital won't kill you. After all, a healthy baby is the goal right? WRONG!! Yes, I want to have a healthy baby! But having a baby is much more than the end result of having a healthy baby. It is just as much the mother's right to labor and deliver how and where she wants to as much as it the baby's right to be born healthy! Yes, the end result is a healthy baby and mama, but to me it's so much more. We as women were created by God Himself to have babies! It is in us, it is who we are, it is at the very cellular level of our inmost being!
I want to have the kind of delivery that I want to have. I don't want any doctor (or midwife) telling me how to sit, lay, breath, or when to push. I want to listen to my body and follow it's lead!
Unfortunately for me, the only midwives here in TN that will assist you with a home birth are Certified Professional Midwives (CPM's) which are NOT covered by our Army insurance!
So I am taking matters into my own hands!
I am going to pay $3000.00 out of pocket to have my baby at home!

This is where the good news comes in!
I've decided to have an auction on my Facebook Fan page in order to raise funds to help cover the cost of the home birth!
I've secured a few sponsors and have found several items from my own personal cloth diaper stash (and other items that I have here that I think would make great Christmas gift items that are not necessarily cloth diaper related)!

I will be destashing my box of brand new diapers that I've been hoarding collecting since I've known I was pregnant! At this point, having a home birth is far more important to me than my new baby having brand new fluff!

I have about 10 confirmed sponsors for this auction, and it will be an event you don't want to miss. The auction will run sometime during the first 3 weeks of November (lasting from 10-14 days as I have not worked out all the details yet) and will be held on my Facebook fan page. Some of the items will be open to US and Canada, some to US only, and some world-wide! The only requirements for you to bid will be for you to like the sponsor's FB page and that is it!

Payment will be accepted via paypal, money order, or personal check!
If paying via personal check, the items will be held until the check clears the bank.

If you are a business owner, or blogger and would like to increase your Facebook numbers as well as help me have my home birth and are interested in donating an item to the auction, please feel free to contact me (angela_heffner at yahoo dot com) so we can work out the details!
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of items that will be up for grabs, and just in time for Christmas too!
Feel free to comment on this blog post and tell me what you'd like to see offered in the auction!
So keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming confirmed sponsors/auction items list and get ready to have some fun!


Here are a few winners!
The lucky winner of The Laundry Tarts sample pack from Nature Bumz is: Katie L.
The lucky winner of the bottle of All Sport from Molly's Suds is: Mary C.
The lucky winner of the bag of Laundry Powder from Molly's Suds is: Krystal G.
A huge thank you to all of you that commented on my YouTube video. I did not win first (24 free diapers) or second (3 free diapers) place, but I did win 3 newborn diapers and I appreciate all your efforts to help me try and win <3
Don't forget, if you commented on the video, you are also eligible to claim a one-time extra entry into EACH of my upcoming newborn event (which will be held next year sometime, maybe April or May)! So don't forget to claim them on your Rafflecopter forms!
For the Tender Tush contest, the winners are:
$20 GC to Jack Be Natural is: Roxie R.
Bumgenius 4.0 in either white or green (snaps) is Izzabella T.
The lucky winner of the set of 6 (742) 1/2 Liter Mold Jars from Weck is: Crystal
The lucky winner of the set of 6 (762) Mini Tulip Jars from Weck is: Holly N.
The lucky winner of the $100 GC to My Wonderful Walls is Jennifer!
If you think one of the above names is you, please check your e-mails (to include your spam folder) to verify!

Congrats to all the lucky winners and a HUGE thank you to our awesome sponsors!
Don't forget (if you have an iPad) you can enter to win a Big Grips frame and stand on the blog right here!
Also, don't forget to check out my Facebook fan page the first week of November to bid on some very awesome items that will be up for grabs! Detailed list to come soon!

If you have not already done so, you may want to subscribe to my blog via e-mail, so that you can receive the latest news on product reviews, giveaways and events right in your in box!

Thanks for being a LWML reader <3
~Mama of the Littles~

Big Grips frame and Stand for iPad review and #GIVEAWAY

I am so excited to tell you that I will be partnering with Apps For Children with Special Needs (A4cwsn) in reviewing book apps for the iPad. A4 is run by Gary, who is passionate about putting iPads in the hands of children with special needs and their teachers and therapists.
A4 will be giving away 40 iPads on their website. For more information on how you can enter to win one of the 40 iPads that will be given away, simpy go here!


A4 is going to be launching a new website that is choc-full of book apps for the iPad! I am one of the two lucky people that were chosen to review the apps. I will be reviewing the apps for A4 for a year. After the year is up, I get to keep the iPad sent to me from A4 and also all the apps I will have the opportunity to review!

Just yesterday I was thrilled when this little device showed up on my doorstep!

 

I am really new to the iPad. I do have an iPhone, which both my boys adore. They are allowed a few minutes a day playing the free games I've downloaded on there for them. I do limit their access though to make sure they are not 'hooked to electronics' all day. I believe that children need to be outside playing and playing with toys (pretend play) more often than playing on electronic devices. In fact, my two boys don't even know (as of yet) that we have an iPad!

I know from experience with my phone that keeping the iPad protected is of great importance to me.

I recently was researching protective covers for the iPad and came across Big Grips Frames!

 

Big Grips Frames has donated 40 frames and stands to A4 to be given away with the 40 iPads that will go out!

 

I was thrilled when Big Grips agreed to sponsors a review and giveaway of a Big Grips frame and stand here on the blog. I was sent a purple Big Grips Frame and Stand for the iPad 3 for the purpose of my review.

This is what I received:

One of the things that really attracted me to the The Big Grips frame and stand is that they are non-toxic, free of lead and latex, phthalates, PVC's and they are resistent to oils, chemicals, stains, mold and germs! Doesn't get much better than that!
It is simply awesome! It provides protection for your iPad which means peace of mind for moms, dads, teachers and therapists alike! It is a soft, squishy easy to handle (non-toxic) iPad case perfect for little hands!
HERE is an excellent video demonstration that you can watch which will show you the Big Grips Frame in all it's glory!

The innovative design of the Big Grips Frame keeps your iPad safe and secure, while giving you easy access to all of the iPad's ports and switches!

You can purchase the Big Grips Frame directly from the Big Grips website, for either the original iPad or the iPad 2 or new iPad. The frame alone costs $34.95, you can purchase both the frame and stand for only $49.95! Or you can enter to win one here!

Big Grips Frames has graciously offered one LWML reader the chance to win their own Big Grips Frame and stand in winner's choice of color and style (for use with the original iPad, or the iPad 2/3rd generation)!

 

This giveaway is open to US residents only!To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! You may have to click "read more" in order for the whole Rafflecopter form to load!

Good luck and Have fun!
~Mama of the Littles~

Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above in exchange for my review. This review is my honest opinion based on my own personal experience, and may differ from yours. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this review!